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E46 (1999 - 2006) The fourth generation 3 Series (E46 chassis) was introduced in 1999 and set the standard for engineering and performance during it's years of production including being named to Car & Driver's 10 best list every one of those years! ! -- View the E46 Wiki

So today I was pulling out of my driveway and started hearing a cracking noise as I accelerate so I immediately turned around and park again. I opened up the car and removed the splash shield only to find various small rounded broken parts as well as three small magnetic rods. I also noticed the main drive belt slipped out from the alternator pulley as well as the pulley right above the main tension pulley...... Also, minutes later, as I was trying to detension the pulley to put the belt back in place... all my coolant spilled out under the main belt tensioner pulley. It looked like it was originating from the top where the water pump is. The car has 108k miles and I'am really not sure if the pump was ever changed..

Any suggestions on what the source maybe? If other then the water pump?

Also, where would these broken pieces be coming from? I did not see anything visibly broken.